Put your hand up if you often find yourself stumbling to class in jeans and a t-shirt. And that’s probably on a good day. On college and university campuses, comfort trumps style and casual undoubtedly beats professional. Sweatpants and hoodies are common attire for students, and even lululemon workout pants are allowed —even though they don’t leave much to the imagination. There are no fashion rules on campus because nobody really cares. Perhaps that’s why so many students lose their sartorial way on the path to their first job. Not to worry, we’ve got some tips.
Don’t wear jeans to a law firm
Every workplace is differently structured in terms of dress code. There’s casual, business casual, and full-on business. Often, larger companies will have a written rule of dress. In any case, your best bet is to ask the hiring manager what to wear before you arrive for your first day. Better yet, make it a point to scope out other employees when you are in the office for your interview (and even if the office is casual and cool, you should dress formally for the interview).
It’s not just about dressing too casually for a formal workplace, which is a common mistake amongst younger people. There’s also a risk of having your clothes outshine your performance. “If you don’t care about how you look, you might show you don’t care about other things either,” says Tess Roman, who co-owns and operates the design boutique Price Roman in Toronto’s Queen West area. “You have to get the feeling of what the company is all about before you go in there and start dressing better than everyone else.”
It’s not that you have to colour within the lines completely, but don’t think that a bejeweled headband is always the way to go, either. “It’s important to have your own look and to differentiate yourself from the sea of black and grey. It shows confidence and individuality,” says Jordan Porter, fashion market editor at FASHION Magazine. “But it’s also very important to respect the office dress code and not go overboard, as that can alienate you from the rest of your colleagues and might result in superiors focusing on your wardrobe as opposed to your real worth to the company.” In other words, don’t be that guy with the cartoon characters on his tie.
Pay attention, there will be a quiz: The Gender-neutral Rules
First things first: you want to make sure that your clothes fit. It seems like common sense, but wearing wrong-sized clothes is a problem that has infiltrated offices across Canada. Just because you buy something that is ready-to-wear does not mean that you should eschew tailoring. Clothes need not come off the rack and directly into wardrobe rotation. “Lack of fit — either too tight or too loose — is a big mistake,” says Porter. “Spending that little bit extra on tailoring can make a big difference and can make an H&M outfit look like a million bucks.”
While you can skimp on trendier pieces, staples should be of a certain quality in order to withstand wear. A patterned shirt might go out of style, but a white basic never will. “Classics are definitely the best investment, especially for the office,” says Tara Wickwire, director of public relations for GAP Inc. “You can wear them for years to come while looking professional and on-trend.”
It isn’t just about the quality of the clothes you buy, but also the way that you take care of your clothes. Neatly pressed shirts should always be a top priority. A wrinkled effect can be avoided with a quick pressing or by shopping for non-iron shirts. And continue to keep updating your roster of outfits, even the basics. “You may already own staples like black pants, a striped shirt, a blazer and khakis,” says Wickwire. “(But) make sure they aren’t overly dated. Classics are renewed regularly with new cuts, fabrics and silhouettes that bring them up to date.” Non-seasonal fabrics like lightweight wool can be worn year-round.
Some suiting tips for the ladies in the classroom
“You have to start with foundation pieces,” says Cynthia Florek, Sears Canada’s brand and trend director for women’s apparel and accessories. “A suit is a must — a great jacket and a three-piece suit. That way you have the option of mixing and matching. And invest in a white shirt because there’s so much you can do with it.” Florek suggests sticking to neutral colours when shopping for your first suit. Think more about black, grey, taupe or chocolate brown, and less about turquoise and fuchsia.
When suit shopping, play with silhouette as much as possible. Try slimmer pants or a pencil skirt, for example. Proportion is key, says Florek. “A lot of young people think they need to lose their identity when they wear a suit,” she says. “(But) there are a lot of ways to personalize it.” Pair a more classic-looking suit with a trendy blouse underneath to keep things youthful and unique.
“Those pops of trend-driven items really will help keep your look youthful,” says FASHION’s Porter. “A super opaque tight (as opposed to nude hose), and a great menswear inspired watch always looks cool and fresh.” What are you doing wrong?
“High heels and too-short skirts are among the biggest mistakes,” says GAP’s Wickwire. “Keep the skirts and dresses just above or below the knee. And the heels should be no more than three inches high.” At the end of the day, the goal is to look like you belong in a professional.
And let’s talk about what’s happening below your ankles and from your elbows down. “Your shoes should be kept in pristine condition — no scuffs, mucked up heels or smudges,” says Porter. “And failing to accessorize, tastefully of course, can leave you looking like a Plain Jane.” Invest in some good shoe polish and look for sales on staple shoes. According to Porter, a simple low-heeled pump in a classic pointed-toe shape is a must for all working ladies. Though popular on campuses everywhere, flip-flops should be avoided in nearly every professional setting.
Professional style tips for boys, dudes and even bros
Like the ladies, men are going to want to stack their closets with classic looks that can be mixed and matched. “Depending on how formal his office is, it’s a good idea to invest in three great suits: one in black, navy and grey,” says Nancy Dennis, Sears Canada’s brand and trend director for menswear. “They can be worn together, or broken up for more casual occasions.”
A couple of good-quality shirts in varying colours are also a must. At the very least, every guy should purchase a white shirt, a blue shirt, and a stripe. “In order to avoid looking like you’re playing dress up in your dad’s closet, inject a youthful spin through accessories like a sporty watch or a canvas messenger bag,” Dennis says. Nice tailored wool trousers or a fine gauge merino sweater, she adds, are classic pieces that will last a long time and always look great.
“Shoes are also a really important purchase,” says FASHION’s Porter. “You want something with a low profile sole, a toe that’s not too pointy and not too round, and can go with anything.”
Boy Blunders
“A common mistake for those just entering the workforce is dressing too casually,” says Dennis. “For example, graphic tees are never a good look for the corporate office.” Along with graphic tees, you can lock down any Ed Hardy hats and wife beaters. All tank tops, actually.
Porter notes that guys should invest in the help of a tailor. Your suit should not be baggy in the seat. Don’t be scared of a slim fit if you can pull it off, and certainly don’t be frightened about wearing clothes that are actually the right size.
“It’s important to stay true to your personal style in the workplace, but you have to marry that style with how you want to be professionally perceived,” Dennis says. “For someone whose style is very eclectic but who has an office job, they can inject interest into their work wardrobe by adding a great watch, a colourful pocket square, a tie pin or some cuff links to pull a look together.” Don’t forget about your hair and face. You know, the moneymakers.
“A great haircut can go a long way,” says Porter. “And it’s worthwhile to sit down with a makeup artist of a reputable makeup line at your local department store to have a lesson and pick up some essential products.” Obviously, her advice is targeted toward women, but that doesn’t mean that guys should completely ignore their pores. “A good cleansing ritual and keeping any unibrow or errant hairs at bay are important elements,” she says. “For haircuts, keep it nice and trim, and keep the neck and edges clean, not overgrown and squirrelly.” Nobody wants to be called a squirrel, right?